Hero grandfather with cane trips up fleeing gunman

A quick-thinking Ohio grandfather has been hailed a hero after he put out a leg to trip a gunman as he fled police.

The man, identified by Columbus police as "Bill" in a post to Facebook on Thursday, was waiting for his granddaughter when he heard police sirens.

Bill then saw a man running towards him, a gun in his waistband, and heard officers shouting to the man to drop the weapon.

The man, identified by Columbus police as "Bill" in a post to Facebook on Thursday, was waiting for his granddaughter when he heard police sirens. (Columbus Division of Police) (Columbus Division of Police)After "assessing the situation as fast as he could", Bill stuck out a leg, tripping the 18-year-old suspect and enabling police to catch up and arrest him. (Columbus Division of Police) (Columbus Division of Police)

After "assessing the situation as fast as he could", Bill stuck out a leg, tripping the 18-year-old suspect and enabling police to catch up and arrest him.

Police have credited Bill's daring move as negating the need for officers to draw their own weapons, thereby possibly saving the runaway's life.

Police have credited Bill's daring move as negating the need for officers to draw their own weapons, thereby possibly saving the runaway's life. (Columbus Division of Police) (Columbus Division of Police)

The man was confirmed to be carrying a pistol at the time of his arrest and had a "lengthy" criminal record. He has since been jailed and no injuries have been reported.

Columbus police have celebrated Bill for his bravery and "fancy footwork".